Hi Matt,
Thank you for that detail, which gives better perspective on the dates in which these markings and serial numbers were used by Wilkinson. Its been quite some time since I collected British swords and that info is truly helpful. I believe if you can reach Robert Wilkinson-Latham who is on SFI he can help with the number and though the book you indicate was destroyed maybe he has other resources. I wish he was here on our forum
Interesting that this sword may well have Crimean associations, or at least been in use at the time. It is true that many British officers had Indian service at the time of the war, in fact Nolan, of Light Brigade fame had been in India prior to his attachment to the cavalry in the Crimea.
Thank you Ibrahiim for noting the read on the characters inscribed. I wonder if this could be an acronym or acrostic for some sort of motto or something related to the officers possible Indian service earlier or as indicated other connections.
All the best,
Jim